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Graduate Aerodynamics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$109.90K - $150.90K/yr

Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 8+ years experience in thermal analysis * Familiarity with liquid rocket stage, engine architecture, and operations * Understanding of aerodynamics ...

Develop external loads, rotordynamic models, and aerodynamic databases for propeller/aeroelastic ... or post-graduate research pertinent to the position * Technical Expertise: * Excellent ...

Develop external loads, rotordynamic models, and aerodynamic databases for propeller/aeroelastic ... or post-graduate research pertinent to the position * Technical Expertise: * Excellent ...

Senior Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109.90K - $150.90K/yr

Graduate degree in engineering or related field * 8+ years experience in thermal analysis * Familiarity with liquid rocket stage, engine architecture, and operations * Understanding of aerodynamics ...

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Graduate Aerodynamics information

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$77K

$94.2K

$121K

How much do graduate aerodynamics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate aerodynamics in the United States is $94,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid dynamics, mathematics, and engineering principles, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, wind tunnel testing, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on complex projects and present technical findings clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient aerodynamic solutions and contributing to innovative engineering advancements.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer expect in their first year?

As a Graduate Aerodynamics Engineer, you'll typically be involved in supporting wind tunnel testing, analyzing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data, and assisting with the design and optimization of aerodynamic components. You'll often work closely with senior engineers, design teams, and sometimes manufacturing, collaborating to ensure aerodynamic performance goals are met. Early on, you may rotate between different projects or departments to gain a broad understanding of the company's processes and technologies. This exposure helps build foundational skills and can lead to more specialized roles as you progress.

What does a Graduate Aerodynamicist do?

A Graduate Aerodynamicist is an entry-level engineer who applies principles of aerodynamics to design, analyze, and improve the performance of vehicles or aircraft. Their work typically involves using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools and wind tunnel testing to optimize shapes for reduced drag and increased efficiency. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering problems and contribute to the development of new technologies in the aerospace, automotive, or motorsport industries. This role often requires strong analytical skills and a solid foundation in fluid mechanics and mathematics.

What is the difference between Graduate Aerodynamics vs Graduate Mechanical Engineer?

AspectGraduate AerodynamicsGraduate Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering with focus on aerodynamicsDegree in Mechanical Engineering, often with specialization in design, thermodynamics, or materials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies, or simulation centersManufacturing plants, design firms, or R&D departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace, aviation, and defense sectorsBroad industry sectors including automotive, energy, and manufacturing

Graduate Aerodynamics and Graduate Mechanical Engineer roles share foundational engineering skills but differ in focus. Aerodynamics specialists concentrate on airflow, fluid dynamics, and aircraft performance, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope including mechanics, materials, and systems design. Both roles are common entry points in engineering careers, often requiring similar educational backgrounds, but their industry applications and daily tasks vary significantly.

More about Graduate Aerodynamics jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Aerodynamics jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Aerodynamics job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Aerodynamics jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Aerodynamics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Aerodynamics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,162 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
AI/ML Engineer for Multidisciplinary Engineering Design-Associate Staff

AI/ML Engineer for Multidisciplinary Engineering Design-Associate Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group provides innovative multidisciplinary engineering solutions for underwater, ground, air, and space-based prototype systems for national security applications.  Examples include the development of structural-material systems for space-based imaging and laser communication terminals, thermal management solutions spanning cryogenic to hypersonic applications, and aerodynamic designs and assessments to support unmanned aerial vehicles, airborne pods, and hypersonic platforms.  Engineering solutions are developed through the utilization of appropriate technologies coupled with high-fidelity models and multidisciplinary simulations, environmental testing, and the utilization of advanced materials to meet ever increasing performance, size, weight, and environmental challenges.

Position Description

Group 74 is seeking engineers with a combination of artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) algorithm development and engineering modeling expertise, e.g., fluid, structural, or thermal modeling.  Our engineers support a broad range of simulation, design, optimization, and test activities, and we develop innovative simulation capabilities to solve challenging engineering design problems across a broad array of applications ranging from low-speed aircraft to hypersonic systems and satellite design.  The Group employs machine learning methods within its modeling suite to achieve significant improvements in physics-based simulation, such as for aerodynamic analysis, to accelerate conceptual design. We seek engineers who are excited to contribute to these efforts by enhancing existing methods and implementing new cutting-edge AI/ML techniques to enable rapid and accurate concept design for a diverse set of complex and multidisciplinary problems.  This position offers opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research, collaborate with leading experts, and develop innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.

The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary engineering team contributing to the development of operational prototype hardware, spanning the full program life cycle from concept development to fielding and testing.  The position may require special security clearances and travel to meetings and field sites.

Minimum Qualifications
  • M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related. Candidates with B.S. degree with three years' experience will also be considered.
  • Experience developing and applying novel artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to solve engineering or scientific applications, such as through physics-informed machine learning, data-driven surrogate modeling, reinforcement learning, or agentic AI.
  • Proficiency in C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar for algorithm development and software integration.
  • Experience applying engineering software to design and analysis, e.g., fluid, structural, or thermal simulations.
  • Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.
  • Ability to clearly communicate results in oral presentations and written reports.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments for large-scale simulations
  • Experience implementing multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) frameworks.
  • Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control (e.g., Git).

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400 - $182,200

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42958Â